Over 1,600 runners signed up to Exeter's Great West Run in just three weeks of entries opening

ORGANISERS of Exeter’s Great West Run, sponsored by Tozers, are delighted to announce that the 2014 event has already attracted over 1,600 sign ups in just three weeks of entries being officially opened.

Last year, a total of 2,123 runners took to the streets of Exeter to complete the 13.1 mile challenge.

With 1,600 already registered for 2014, the surge of runners taking advantage of the early bird savings would suggest that this years entries will substantially surpass those of recent years.

Jamie Warren, Marketing Manager at GO2, said: "The response in just three weeks has been fantastic, and we are delighted that so many have already set Sunday 19th October as their goal to aim for.

"To see the interest in the race grow so much year on year, both in terms of entry numbers and the partners we have the privilege of working with, is really promising for the development of Exeter’s Great West Run.

“We recently announced a new local partnership with Newtown Community Association, supporting the associations New Hut Vision project, which aims to replace the WWII hut in Belmont Park.

"Our races are built with the community in mind, and we are pleased to see that the residents of Exeter continue to embrace their half marathon year on year.”

Belmont Park is particularly poignant for the 2014 Great West Run, as it was announced last week, as this years race village location.

"The move will provide runners and spectators with a much more accessible route into the village from Belmont Road and Blackboy Road, and then onto the start finish line on Sidwell Street.

The half marathon aims to showcase the best of Exeter, taking a central route through the City Centre, Exwick, the University, Pinhoe Road as well as the beautiful country lanes of St Andrew’s Road and on towards Stoke Woods.

The official charity partners for the 2014 race are Cancer Research UK and Devon Air Ambulance Trust. Both will be recruiting a number of runners to join their team.

"The Schools’ Challenge will also return for 2014, where local primary schools take on the challenge of running a 1-mile lap of Exeter on race day in front of thousands of cheering spectators!

Exeter’s Great West Run, sponsored by Tozers, will be taking place on Sunday 19th October. Registrations are now open at www.thegreatwestrun.co.uk.